Tyres MO (mercedes fitment)

[marlin]

What is the difference between these two tyres....

CONTINENTAL - PREMIUM CONTACT 2

CONTINENTAL - PREMIUM CONTACT 2 MO (MERCEDES FITMENT)

Do I have to fit the MO type on my C180?

Thanks
Jon

 

[Rory]

I went through this with Michelin. Alledgedly they're optimised to suit the ride and handling characteristics of Mercedes.

Personally, I don't believe a word of it and think it's just some sort of marketing / financial tie-in.

On my car Michelin didn't even do an MO version of one of the sizes so I couldn't have them anyway.

 

[MarkCL]

You don't "have" to fit them, it's just that the ones with the MO stamp are the ones properly approved as official fitment by MB. They're the ones you'd get fitted from dealerships etc and are also the only ones really covered (technically at least) by the warranty. Is there really a difference between the two though? Most likely not a jot IMHO so really speaking it doesn't matter which ones you fit. I currently have the Conti's with the MO stamp on my car as the previous owner wanted to do the job properly when he bought new boots for it, but when it comes time for me to change them myself I won't bother and will instead just try and get some Goodyear Eagle GSD 3's for it as I've been very impressed with those tyres on every other car I've owned

Hope thats helps?

Cheers,
Mark

 

[Rory]

You don't "have" to fit them, it's just that the ones with the MO stamp are the ones properly approved as official fitment by MB. They're the ones you'd get fitted from dealerships

My dealer (Senior Service Advisor) didn't know what MO meant when they quoted me for tyres. He went away and said he could get MO if I really wanted them, but they didn't normally fit them.

etc and are also the only ones really covered (technically at least) by the warranty.

I don't believe that's correct.

My car came from the factory with Bridgestone's. There is an MO version but the tyres on my car were just the normal version.

 

[television]

It has been said that MO tyres are a softer compound and give a better ride when demonstrating,, It has also been said that the mileage is not so good because of the soft rubber

 

[marlin]

Thanks for the replies.

 

[bill3862]

MO Tyres - Change of EU Regulations?

I have read somewhere, I think on EU Transport site but cannot be sure, that our 'Masters' in Brussels are examing the issue of replacement tyres must be originals as fitted by Manufacturer within EU - yet another daft example of wasting time if correct.

I fail to see how this could be 'policed' but I am sure the clowns will devise a way costing us all money !!!

I will have another search round to see if this proposal is still being discussed or 'binned'.

Bill

 

[Rory]

I fail to see how this could be 'policed' but I am sure the clowns will devise a way costing us all money !!!

Tyre manufacturers change tyre "models" as aften as car manufacturers do, so it would be impossible to buy exactly the same tyres after a few years.

I think in S Ireland all the tyres on a car have to be the same, which could be a bit expensive if you damaged one that was new just after the tyre had been dis-continued.

 

[st13phil]

I went through this with Michelin. Alledgedly they're optimised to suit the ride and handling characteristics of Mercedes.

Personally, I don't believe a word of it and think it's just some sort of marketing / financial tie-in.

It's certainly true that "vehicle specific fitment" motorcycle tyres give quite different performance regarding life, grip and feel than the "generic" tyre of the same size / overall spec due to the priorities given to the tyre manufacturer by the motorcycle manufacturer. I don't see why "vehicle specific fitment" car tyres should be any different, but I accept that the differences my be less pronounced. Whether a car tyre lasts 22k miles or 26k miles probably won't create much interest for most owners, whereas a bike tyre that lasts only 4k miles instead of 7k is pretty obvious.

I have read somewhere, I think on EU Transport site but cannot be sure, that our 'Masters' in Brussels are examing the issue of replacement tyres must be originals as fitted by Manufacturer within EU - yet another daft example of wasting time if correct.

In Germany the TUV ensure at the annual vehicle inspection that only "approved" tyres are fitted to a vehicle. Is it some sort of extension of that scheme that you're thinking of?

While the aims of this are (in general) laudable, it does become something of a pain in the rear once a vehicle ceases production because unless there is a big demand for tyres for that vehicle, it's unlikely that a tyre manufacturer will bother gaining approval for their latest and greatest rubber to be fitted to it. This is particularly true for motorcycle tyres and means that riders are often consigned to using tyres that really are not a patch on the latest available in terms of grip if they want to remain legal. Another triumph of regulation

 

[whitenemesis]

What is the difference between these two tyres....

CONTINENTAL - PREMIUM CONTACT 2

CONTINENTAL - PREMIUM CONTACT 2 MO (MERCEDES FITMENT)

Do I have to fit the MO type on my C180?

Thanks
Jon

Is there a price difference? I have never found there to be.

I always (well, ok the two times I've needed to) specify MO tyres. They have lasted approx 25k miles each time.

I believe the tyres are engineered with a particular MB model in mind and have been tested and "approved" by MB. That's not to say the same tyre without the MO stamp is any different, it's just you have a visual affirmation that it is MB approved.

From the handbook-

Points to remember

For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only use tyres and wheels which have been approved by Mercedes-Benz specifically for your vehicle. These tyres have been specially adapted for use with the control systems, such as ABS or ESP, and are marked as follows:

• MO = Mercedes-Benz Original
• MOE = Mercedes-Benz Original Extended (with run-flat characteristics)

Mercedes-Benz Original Extended tyres should only be used on wheels that have been specifically approved by Mercedes-Benz.
If you use other tyres and wheels, Mercedes-Benz cannot accept any responsibility for damage that may result from this. Further information about tyres, wheels and approved combinations can be obtained from any Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
If you use tyres other than those tested and recommended for Mercedes-Benz vehicles, characteristics such as handling, vehicle noise emissions and fuel consumption may be adversely affected. In addition, the wheels may come into contact with the body or the axle components when heavily loaded or when driving with snow chains. This could result in damage to the tyres or the vehicle.

Retreaded tyres are neither tested nor recommended by Mercedes-Benz, since previous damage cannot always be detected on retreaded tyres. As a result, Mercedes-Benz cannot guarantee vehicle safety if retreaded tyres are fitted. Do not fit used tyres if you have no information about their previous usage.

Risk of accident If wheels or tyres other than those which have been tested are fitted:

• the brakes or chassis components could be damaged
• wheel and tyre clearances can no longer be guaranteed

This could cause an accident.




Personally, I prefer not to take the chance that the insurance company uses non-approved tyres as an excuse not to pay out...

 

[Rory]

I believe the tyres are engineered with a particular MB model in mind and have been tested and "approved" by MB.

If you think about it, if that was correct then there would need to be a different tyre (or at least a range of tyres) to cover all MB models. Surely the same tyre wouldn't magically suit the characteristics of every Mercedes model?

My car didn't have MO tyres on from the factory.

Also, what happens on older models, as ours already are - do MB go back and approve their tyres on older models as the tyres change?

Personally, I prefer not to take the chance that the insurance company uses non-approved tyres as an excuse not to pay out...

It's been held that insurance companies can't even refuse to pay out if the wrong speed rating is used (as even the lowest speed rating is well in excess of the UK limit).

 

[jberks]

If you think about it, if that was correct then there would need to be a different tyre (or at least a range of tyres) to cover all MB models. Surely the same tyre wouldn't magically suit the characteristics of every Mercedes model?

Absolutely -. Take a 225 width tyre for example. Is MO for a C class or an E class - both can run on 225s after all but both have totally different weight and suspension characteristics. Even a tyre that suits an elegance may not suit an avantgarde. What about airmatic? Is a 200k tyre suitable for a 500 or a 320cdi? The engines will be utterly different weights. If the tyre manufacturer listed specific tyres for specific cars, then maybe. But If they did, no doubt the EU would legislate that they must test everyones in the interest of competition. Then again, you could approve a Vredestein in Sweden and the UK - after all, great wet tyres but they lose their advantage entirely in southern Spain.


My point is that if you think it through, people's theories on MO ratings are badly floored. What they propose as a 'fact', in reality, impossible.

It's been held that insurance companies can't even refuse to pay out if the wrong speed rating is used (as even the lowest speed rating is well in excess of the UK limit).

Again absolutely - provided the tyre meets EU regs and is the correct size and type for the car, that's it. Remould or a top of the range overpriced michelin - it makes no difference whatsover.

I dare say MB did send a bloke round a track before they signed off on the MO tyres, but that simply means they approve them, not that they are saying they are any better than some that have not been approved. And, as I have said before, given the wide range of tyres - some MO, some not, that MB fit at the factory and that the dealers fit afterwards, it clearly isn't that important.

 

[marlin]

Answer from @ContiUK

What is the difference between these two tyres....

CONTINENTAL - PREMIUM CONTACT 2

CONTINENTAL - PREMIUM CONTACT 2 MO (MERCEDES FITMENT)

Do I have to fit the MO type on my C180?

Thanks
Jon

Continental UK replied to question...

Depends on car & size but normally MO designates that it has been approved by Mercedes but could mean no changes to standard tyre

 

[brandwooddixon]

From the handbook-

Points to remember

For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only use tyres and wheels which have been approved by Mercedes-Benz specifically for your vehicle. These tyres have been specially adapted for use with the control systems, such as ABS or ESP, and are marked as follows:

• MO = Mercedes-Benz Original
• MOE = Mercedes-Benz Original Extended (with run-flat characteristics)

Mercedes-Benz Original Extended tyres should only be used on wheels that have been specifically approved by Mercedes-Benz.
If you use other tyres and wheels, Mercedes-Benz cannot accept any responsibility for damage that may result from this. Further information about tyres, wheels and approved combinations can be obtained from any Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
If you use tyres other than those tested and recommended for Mercedes-Benz vehicles, characteristics such as handling, vehicle noise emissions and fuel consumption may be adversely affected. In addition, the wheels may come into contact with the body or the axle components when heavily loaded or when driving with snow chains. This could result in damage to the tyres or the vehicle.

Retreaded tyres are neither tested nor recommended by Mercedes-Benz, since previous damage cannot always be detected on retreaded tyres. As a result, Mercedes-Benz cannot guarantee vehicle safety if retreaded tyres are fitted. Do not fit used tyres if you have no information about their previous usage.

Risk of accident If wheels or tyres other than those which have been tested are fitted:

• the brakes or chassis components could be damaged
• wheel and tyre clearances can no longer be guaranteed

This could cause an accident.

I think that this is just MB covering themselves for the possibility of you sueing them after an accident caused by you fitting tyres or wheels of substandard quality from a dubious manufacturer e.g. replica wheels or tyres of unknown chinese origin.

The datacard for my car just lists the manufacturers of tyres that it attained TUV type approval with.

 

[television]

I still have the original tyres for my 230 and no MO on them,,it is almost like a thing of the past

 

[Developer]

It has been said that MO tyres are a softer compound and give a better ride when demonstrating,, It has also been said that the mileage is not so good because of the soft rubber

Bugger.....

 

[Rory]

Continental UK replied to question...

Depends on car & size but normally MO designates that it has been approved by Mercedes but could mean no changes to standard tyre

Blimey - took them a long time to answer!

And what a useless answer it is too. Although it's pretty similar to what Michelin told me when I asked the same question.